The 5 Best Alternatives to Non-Stick Pans

Are you looking for an alternative to traditional non-stick pans?

Maybe you’ve heard rumors that non-stick pans are unsafe, or you’re tired of replacing your pans when the non-stick coating wears down.

Whatever the reason, you’ve come to the right place.

In this article, I break down the five best alternatives to non-stick pans. You’ll learn the pros and cons of each and get helpful advice on choosing the right option.

So, keep reading if you’re looking for pans with a slick surface without the non-stick coating.

---

Use the links below to navigate the article:

• Best Non-Stick Pan Alternatives: Key Takeaways
• Video Summary
• Are Non-Stick Pans Unsafe?
• Alternative 1: Ceramic Non-Stick
• Alternative 2: Cast Iron
• Alternative 3: Enameled Cast Iron
• Alternative 4: Carbon Steel
• Alternative 5: Stainless Steel
• Bottom Line: Which Non-Stick Pan Alternative is Right for You?

---

Video Summary

Watch me break down the best alternatives to non-stick pans in this quick video.

Are Non-Stick Pans Unsafe?

Before I get into the alternatives, I need to address the common question: are non-stick pans unsafe?

In the early 2000s, ceramic-coating non-stick pans emerged and were marketed as safer, more healthy alternatives to traditional non-stick pans.

The manufacturers claimed that traditional non-stick pans, which have a PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene, better known as Teflon) coating, are made with chemicals that are bad for your health and the environment.

At the time, this claim was valid; non-stick pans were made with harmful chemicals that were unhealthy and not eco-friendly. However, that is no longer the case.

Before 2013, many non-stick brands used PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), a synthetic chemical, in the process of making PTFE non-stick coatings.

Once PFOA was determined to cause health issues and illness, it was removed from the manufacturing process of PTFE.

Today’s cookware is still made with PTFE, but it’s completely free of PFOA. According to the American Cancer Society, there are no proven health risks to cooking with non-stick cookware with a PTFE coating.

However, it has been proven that overheating PTFE above 536°F causes it to break down and release fumes.

Brief exposure can cause flu-like symptoms for up to 48 hours, but hours of breathing in the fumes can cause lung damage.

The main point is: non-stick pans made after 2013 are completely safe; just don’t heat them over 500°F and inhale the fumes for extended periods.

Although non-stick pans are safe, there are still plenty of reasons to consider alternatives. In the following section, I break down those alternatives and explain the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Alternative 1: Ceramic Non-Stick

Ceramic non-stick pans are a popular alternative to traditional non-stick pans because they offer similar food release without the risk of releasing fumes at high temperatures.

Here’s what you need to know about ceramic non-stick pans before deciding if it’s the best alternative for you.

Why You Should Choose Ceramic Non-Stick

Ceramic non-stick pans are coated with natural materials. In most cases, the non-stick coating is made of natural sand-derived silicon using a process called sol-gel.

Despite its name, it’s technically not ceramic. The pan’s base is typically aluminum, and the cooking surface looks shiny and slick like ceramic, but it’s actually sand-derived silicon.

Unlike traditional PTFE-coated non-stick pans, ceramic non-stick will not release toxic fumes if it is overheated.

Some manufactures claim that ceramic non-stick cookware is better for the environment.

For example, Caraway and GreenPan advertise that the manufacturing processes of its ceramic non-stick cookware use 60% less CO2 compared to traditional non-stick cookware.

You also get more variety of design with ceramic non-stick. Caraway, GreenPan, GreenLife, and other brands offer unique designs and bold color choices.

Finally, ceramic non-stick is one of the most affordable alternatives to traditional non-stick pans on the list.

Why You Should NOT Choose Ceramic Non-Stick

Ceramic non-stick has clear benefits but also several downsides.

First, it doesn’t last as long as traditional non-stick or some other alternatives on this list (such as cast iron or stainless steel). Even following care and cooking instructions, you can expect to replace them in a year or two.

Second, some ceramic non-stick cookware is better than others in terms of food release. This type of cookware is notorious for performing great initially, but after a few months, food starts to stick.

Next, if you aren’t very careful, you can scratch the surface, prompting the need to replace the pans even sooner than you intended.

Finally, it’s not the top choice for searing and browning because the surface doesn’t provide a “grip” on meat, fish, or vegetables. The walls of the cookware are usually thin, providing only average heat retention.

Bottom line — ceramic non-stick pans are worthy alternatives to traditional non-stick pans because they are PTFE-free, offer a non-stick surface, are affordable, and come with a choice of designs and colors. They don’t release harmful fumes when overheated beyond 500°F, but they also don’t last as long as traditional PTFE pans.

If you want to try a ceramic non-stick pan, the brands I recommend are GreenPan and Caraway. But, before you buy, take a look at my complete list of ceramic cookware pros and cons.

Alternative 2: Cast Iron

Cast iron is another non-stick pan alternative worth considering. With proper seasoning, cast iron skillets offer a similar cooking experience to non-stick. However, they won’t break down and need to be replaced after a few years.

Why You Should Choose Cast Iron

Unlike non-stick pans, cast iron has virtually no heat limits. Most cast iron pans can be used on all types of stoves (including induction), in ovens, under broilers, on grills, and even in campfires.

It’s a highly durable material that can last decades when cared for properly. It’s the kind of cookware you can pass down through the generations.

But here is the main reason why cast iron is an excellent alternative to non-stick. As you use and season a cast iron pan, it develops a natural non-stick surface.

Nothing is as slippery as traditional non-stick, but well-seasoned cast iron comes close. You can cook eggs, pancakes, and other delicate foods without sticking, just as you would with a non-stick pan.

Another benefit of cast iron: it’s super-affordable. You can buy several cast iron skillets for what you’d pay for one high-quality traditional non-stick pan.

Why You Should NOT Choose Cast Iron

Cast iron is one of the most versatile and durable types of cookware you can buy. Yet, it has some drawbacks.

First, some foods strip away the seasoning, making the pan reactive and diminishing its non-stick abilities.

For example, acidic ingredients like tomatoes, lemon juice, or vinegar attack the oil coating (seasoning). When the seasoning is gone, food will stick, and tiny bits of iron break off, leaving your food with a metallic taste.

Even if you avoid cooking acidic ingredients, cast iron needs to be reseasoned periodically. In other words, it is more high-maintenance than traditional non-stick pans.

Besides seasoning, you need to be careful about how you clean cast iron. Always hand wash and avoid soap because that can degrade the seasoning. You need to dry cast iron immediately after washing it to prevent rust.

Next, cast iron is heavy (that’s before you add food). You will likely need to use two hands to grip it, and since it gets extremely hot, pot holders are a must.

Because of its weight, cast iron can scratch glass cooktops. Expect damage if you handle it roughly, drop it, or drag it across a glass cooktop.

Finally, its thick-walled construction makes for uneven, slow heating. By contrast, non-stick has thinner walls and heats quickly.

Bottom line — A cast iron skillet is an affordable non-stick pan alternative, offering superior durability, heat retention, and versatility (stove, oven, broiler, grill). A cast iron skillet can mimic the food release of a non-stick pan. Yet, it’s much heavier, requires more maintenance (seasoning), and reacts to certain ingredients (acidic foods).

If you think cast iron is the best non-stick pan alternative for you, check out Lodge. It’s one of the highest-rated cast iron skillets while also being one of the most affordable. Check out my in-depth review to learn more. 

Alternative 3: Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron is another alternative to traditional non-stick. This cookware features a thick cast iron base with an enameled coating to protect the surface and eliminate the need for seasoning.

With enameled cast iron, you get a stick-resistant cooking surface that’s more durable than non-stick.

Why You Should Choose Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron offers several benefits over standard (bare) cast iron. It takes the best of cast iron and adds a new level of functionality.

So, if you are thinking about cast iron as an alternative to a non-stick pan but are worried about the upkeep of seasoning, enameled cast iron quells those concerns.

The enamel glaze keeps food from sticking without seasoning. It also makes the pan non-reactive, so you can cook whatever you like (including acidic foods).

You can use enameled cast iron on the stovetop or in the oven, plus it looks good on the table as a serving dish. 

It’s also rust-resistant and easier to clean than bare cast iron. A quick soak in mild detergent and warm water is all you need.

Like ceramic non-stick, enameled cast iron offers more color and design choices than most other alternatives on this list.

Why You Should NOT Choose Enameled Cast Iron

Enameled cast iron pans are much more durable and long-lasting than non-stick pans. And, unlike bare cast iron, no seasoning is needed, so maintenance is low.

Yet, there are a few downsides to consider before replacing your non-stick pan with enameled cast iron.

Just like bare cast iron, it’s heavy and can damage delicate surfaces like countertops and glass cooktops if handled roughly.

It can also take a while to heat up, so it’s not as convenient for quick meals as a non-stick pan.

The enamel glaze can chip or crack over time, making it less durable than other non-stick pan alternatives like carbon or stainless steel.

Additionally, it is one of the most expensive non-stick alternatives. High-quality enameled cast iron, like Le Creuset or Staub, can be double or triple the cost of a mid-range non-stick pan.

Lastly, the enameled coating is stick-resistant but is not non-stick. In other words, you’ll need to grease it properly to get the same slick surface as a non-stick pan. Even then, don’t expect eggs to slide around as smoothly.

Bottom line — enameled cast iron pans are versatile and durable and are low-maintenance like traditional non-stick. Yet, they’re heavy, take a while to heat, and are much more expensive.

If you’re considering enameled cast iron, I highly recommend Le Creuset. This French brand is the pioneer of enameled cast iron cookware and has been in business since 1925.

They offer frying pans, grill pans, Dutch ovens, and woks (among other pieces). Check out my in-depth Le Creuset review to learn more or view the current prices on Amazon.

Alternative 4: Carbon Steel

Carbon steel pans are an excellent alternative to non-stick pans because they’re affordable, offer a non-stick surface when seasoned properly, and withstand much higher temperatures.

Why You Should Choose Carbon Steel

Carbon steel might not be as widely popular as other cookware, but it has a long track record of excellence in professional kitchens.

Carbon steel requires seasoning, but the process yields a non-stick surface when done properly. You have to invest some time into the maintenance and care, but the results are worth it.

If you like the idea of cast iron but prefer a more lightweight pan similar to a traditional non-stick pan, this is it. Compared to cast iron, carbon steel pans have thinner walls and are significantly lighter.

Like cast iron, carbon steel pans are affordable. You can find carbon steel pans that are much cheaper than non-stick pans. For example, this Lodge 12-inch carbon steel pan is significantly less expensive than this All-Clad 12-inch non-stick pan.

If you want the option for high-heat cooking, carbon steel can handle it. Unlike traditional non-stick cookware that gives off fumes if heated over 500°F, carbon steel can withstand temperatures higher than most other alternatives.

In fact, Made In Cookware’s Blue Carbon Steel Pan can handle up to 1200°F. With that kind of heat tolerance, you can use it pretty much anywhere: stovetop, oven, broiler, grill, campfire, etc.

Why You Should NOT Choose Carbon Steel

A seasoned carbon steel pan is a lightweight, easy to maneuver alternative to non-stick. However, there are some downsides.

First, the surface is not as slick as a PTFE-coated non-stick pan. And, the seasoning that allows for a relatively non-stick cooking experience will break down quickly if you cook acidic foods.

Carbon steel is reactive, so you have the same caveats as bare cast iron when cooking certain recipes like tomato sauce. Without proper seasoning, it reacts to the food, altering its flavor and appearance.

Next, carbon steel naturally changes color as it is used. It builds a patina and can become dark brown, far from the original way it looked. It often collects a blotchy brown and silver appearance as the patina builds up.

To put it bluntly, carbon steel is not the prettiest cookware. While that doesn’t impact performance, it’s not the type of pan you’d want to put on display or use as a serving dish.

Finally, it requires extra precaution when cleaning. You can’t use a dishwasher, and soap will strip the seasoning. 

Bottom Line — Carbon steel offers pro-level cooking performance, particularly for recipes that require quick, high-heat cooking. It’s affordable, lightweight, and gives you a decent non-stick surface when seasoned properly.

Overall, a carbon steel pan is a solid alternative to a non-stick pan. If you’re interested in learning more, check out my complete breakdown of carbon steel cookware pros and cons. The brands I recommend for carbon steel pans are Made In and Misen.

Alternative 5: Stainless Steel

Stainless steel pans are durable, versatile, and, with the proper culinary techniques, offer a slick cooking surface. If you’re looking for an alternative to non-stick pans that will last a lifetime, consider stainless steel.

Why You Should Choose Stainless Steel

Most people don’t realize that stainless steel cookware is composed of multiple bonded materials. Typically, the interior and exterior layers are stainless steel, and the core layer is aluminum.

Stainless steel is super durable but conducts heat poorly. Aluminum conducts heat well but is reactive and not as durable. When you sandwich the aluminum between two layers of steel, you get the best of both worlds.

Due to this unique construction, often referred to as fully-clad, stainless steel cookware heats quickly and evenly and can last a lifetime.

Stainless steel pans are typically broiler-safe, unlike most non-stick cookware. Plus, they don’t release toxic fumes if accidentally overheated.

Most stainless steel cookware is compatible with all cooktops, including induction.

Due to its high heat tolerance, it’s a go-to choice if you want a proper sear on meat or vegetables, rivaled only by cast iron and carbon steel.

Unlike cast iron and carbon steel, stainless steel is non-reactive and doesn’t require seasoning, so you can cook anything without an issue (much like traditional non-stick).

Why You Should NOT Choose Stainless Steel

While stainless steel pans are celebrated for their versatility, there are a few things you need to know if you want to use them to replace a non-stick pan.

Stainless steel does not offer a slick cooking surface or food release properties. In fact, it is probably the least non-stick of all the alternatives.

Food sticking to the cooking surface is a major issue with stainless steel pans, but you can minimize the issue with enough oil (high smoke point oils are best) and the proper temperature.

Stainless steel grips food well. While that means it can give food a great sear, it also makes it tough to clean.

Unlike non-stick pans that take a few seconds to wipe clean, you’ll need to use a little elbow grease to restore stainless steel pans after cooking.

The key is to clean the pans as soon as they’re cool enough to handle. If you rinse a piping hot pan with cold water, it can warp. 

Finally, stainless steel is one of the most expensive alternatives to non-stick pans. Although affordable options are available, you could easily spend over $200 for one pan from a premium brand.

Bottom line — stainless steel pans are long-lasting, can handle any recipe, and provide stellar heat control. Yet, they take more effort to keep clean and don’t provide the same food release as non-stick. If you’re willing to trade a slick surface and easy cleaning for durability and versatility, stainless steel is a great non-stick pan alternative.

I’ve reviewed dozens of stainless steel cookware brands, and the two I recommend the most are All-Clad and Made In.

All-Clad is a renowned brand with a long track record, while Made In is a direct-to-consumer company offering All-Clad quality at lower prices. Check out my comparison of All-Clad vs. Made In to learn more or view their current prices at the links below:

• All-Clad on Amazon and All-Clad.com
• Made In on MadeInCookware.com

Bottom Line: Which Non-Stick Pan Alternative is Right for You?

Non-stick pans are convenient, simple to use, and easy to clean.

However, they only last a few years and can release fumes when heated over 500°F.

The best non-stick pan alternatives are ceramic non-stick, cast iron, enameled cast iron, carbon steel, and stainless steel.

But which alternative is the best for you? It all depends on what you value most.

While most of these alternatives are more durable than traditional non-stick (ceramic non-stick being the exception), none of them can match the food release power of PTFE. 

If you’re looking for the next best thing in terms of food release, go with ceramic non-stick.

If durability and versatility are important and you don’t mind spending more time cleaning, stainless steel is the best option.

If you’re looking for something in the middle, cast iron, enameled cast iron, and carbon steel are great choices. However, enameled cast iron is expensive, and cast iron and carbon steel can’t handle acidic foods.

Ultimately, there’s no reason to be scared of traditional non-stick pans. The health and safety concerns have been solved; you just need to remember to cook under 500°F. I recommend keeping at least one non-stick pan handy, even if it’s just for eggs.

If you are shopping for an alternative to a traditional non-stick pan soon (or want to buy a new non-stick pan), I recommend checking out Made In and Misen cookware.

They both offer long-lasting stainless steel, carbon steel, and non-stick cookware at a fair price.

Learn more on MadeInCookware.com and Misen.com.